Luther, Berlin and Fairy Tales

See important places Martin Luther visited or lived at! Travel with us through centuries and discover Berlin, the pulsating capital of Germany! Let yourself go and immerse in the world of fairy tales by Brothers Grimm!

DAY 1: SUNDAY

Frankfurt – Eisenach – Weimar (D)

Depart from Frankfurt in the morning and drive eastward to Eisenach, dominated by the Wartburg Castle. Visit one of the most important buildings of German history and see the room where Martin Luther in only eleven weeks translated the New Testament. Three hundred years before, St. Elizabeth of Thuringia spent almost all her life at the Wartburg. Afterwards, we continue to a cultural treasure, Weimar, where numerous famous persons like Goethe, Schiller, Liszt and Richard Strauss lived and worked. In the evening our welcome dinner will be served at our hotel. Overnight at Hotel Leonardo or similar.

DAY 2: MONDAY

Weimar – Dresden (B)

After the breakfast drive to Dresden, the capital of the Free State of Saxony. On a city tour you will get to know one of the loveliest cities of central Europe. Due to its mild climate, the baroque architecture and the renowned museums, Dresden is also called ‘Florence of the Elbe’. See the Semper Opera House, the baroque Zwinger, the Green Vault or another important museum of your choice and, overall, the restored Frauenkirche. Nowadays, it is hard to believe that after the bombing in 1945 the city centre was completely destroyed. The rest of the day is free for own activities. Overnight at Park Inn o.s.

DAY 3: TUESDAY

Dresden – Wittenberg – Potsdam – Berlin (B)

Today we return to the traces of Luther and visit Wittenberg where the reformation started on 31.10.1517 when Martin, according to legend, nailed his 95 theses to the portal of the Castle Church. Afterwards, we depart towards Potsdam and the impressive courtyards of Sanssouci Palace, the former summer residence of Frederick the Great, King of Prussia. In the late afternoon we arrive at Berlin. Overnight at ECONTEL HOTEL Berlin Charlottenburg o.s.

DAY 4: WEDNESDAY

Berlin (B)

During a big city tour we will show you all the highlights of Germany’s capital and most exciting city. See Brandenburg Gate, our parliament Reichstag, the victory column, Palace Bellevue, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Memorial Church, Checkpoint Charlie, remains of the wall, boulevard Unter den Linden and the Berliner Dom (Berlin Cathedral). The afternoon is free for own activities like discovering the museums island or shopping in the numerous boutiques and department stores like KaDeWe. Take the opportunity to do an optional boat trip which gives you some memorable views from the channel Spree. Please just ask your guide! Overnight at ECONTEL HOTEL Berlin Charlottenburg o.s.

DAY 5: THURSDAY

Berlin – Hamburg (B)

Today we are heading north. Our next stop is Hamburg. Enjoy all the main sights of this booming city like St. Michaelis Church, called Michel, St. Pauli quarter, Landungsbruecken, Speicherstadt and the brand-new HafenCity before discovering Germany’s largest port on a typical harbour cruise. The evening is free, maybe for a walk along the Reeperbahn? This amusement district originally was visited by sailors who were able to spend a whole six month pay in only one happy night. Nowadays, of course, you can also see more ‘civilised’ areas. Overnight at Best Western Queens Hotel o.s.

DAY 6: FRIDAY

Hamburg – Bremen – Hamelin (B/ D)

After breakfast departure to Bremen, the free hanseatic city at river Weser with an old tradition of seafaring. See ‘Roland’ at the market square, the cathedral, the city hall and the bronze statue of Grimms’ Bremer Stadtmusikanten. Rub the donkey’s hooves and a wish comes true! After a walk through the narrow streets of Schnoorquarter with tiny houses, we turn onto the famous German Fairy Tale Route. In the afternoon we reach Hamelin, a city known for the Pied Piper, another legend appeared in the writings of the Brothers Grimm. Its former wealthy – due to its favourable location as trading centre on the river Weser – was reflected in its lavishly decorated houses. The delightful centre is a listed site of historical interest. After the check-in at the hotel, we will celebrate our farewell dinner. Overnight at Mercure Hotel o.s.

DAY 7: SATURDAY

Hamelin – Frankfurt (B)

Along the river Weser we follow the Fairy Tale Route towards the small and unique city of Hann.Muenden. Never destroyed, Hann.Muenden belongs to the best preserved half-timbered places in Germany. Enjoy this jewel of Weser Renaissance style before we continue our trip to Frankfurt. On the further way to the south we will make stops along the road, depending on the weather and traffic situation. In the afternoon we reach Frankfurt where a panoramic city tour of Germany’s financial capital awaits us. Overnight at InterCityHotel o.s.

DAY 8: SUNDAY

Frankfurt (B)

Our exciting journey ends with breakfast at the hotel with a or continues with ‘Romantic Germany’

(please see tour combination ‘Highlights of Germany’).

DEPARTURES

On request!

SERVICES INCLUDED

IN GENERAL:

Seven overnight stays at specially selected first class and tourist superior class hotels including tax, service charges and baggage handling (one piece per person). All rooms with private bathroom.